Gaza is currently experiencing its longest communication blackout since the Israeli operation began in October.
Between October 7 and December 15, approximately 18,800 Palestinians have died, 70% of whom were women and children. The death toll includes over 300 health sector workers, 86 journalists, 135 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and around 35 civil defense crews. In addition, more than 51,100 people have been reportedly wounded, with many others unaccounted for.
The report further states that out of 36 hospitals in the enclave, only eight are partially functional. Occupancy rates in inpatient departments have surged to 206%, while intensive care units are operating at a staggering 250% capacity.
I don’t appreciate the idea that it’s somehow worse that women and children are the ones dying, as if men are expendable. It’s one of the grossest forms of sexism.
Now, if they had said “X% of those killed are children,” I’d have fully supported that. Adults are definitely more expendable than children. Children deserve full protection by everyone.
But men’s lives matter in these situations too. We’re not meaningless.